Getting Started in Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert, the ambitious open-world RPG from Pearl Abyss, is finally here, bringing players into the vast land of Pywell. With its immersive gameplay, intricate systems, and detailed environments, the game can be overwhelming initially. Many tutorials don't cover essential tips, leaving players to figure out key mechanics themselves. Based on early access insights and firsthand experience, here are 25 valuable tips for navigating the opening hours of Crimson Desert.

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Understand the Game’s Introductory Systems

Explore the game menu immediately: While Crimson Desert introduces basic combat during its opening fight against the Black Bears, it doesn’t explain all the controls and abilities available from the start. After the introduction, open the menu and go to the Guides tab under the Options menu. Familiarize yourself with the Controls layout and the Skills section. Some abilities, like grappling and stabbing, are already unlocked but aren't highlighted in the tutorial.

Observe to learn new skills: Keep an eye out for the "observe" action that pops up during exploration, typically in the bottom right corner of your screen. By holding the L1 (or left bumper) button, Cliff—your main character—can learn new skills and actions organically. This feature can even unlock advanced skill tree abilities without spending resources.

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Master the Inventory Early

Be selective about what you carry: Cliff’s inventory space is limited, even after updates increased starting capacity. Inventory capacity expands through quests, vendors, and specific purchases, but you’ll still hit limitations. Let go of redundant items, like recipes you’ve already learned, by selling them for copper. For coin pouches, "use" them from the inventory to unlock funds and free up slots.

No storage at launch: While Pearl Abyss plans to add long-term storage options to the grey main camp in future updates, this feature isn’t available yet. The current system forces players to use, sell, or discard items they don't need to streamline their load.

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Progression Strategy

Focus upgrades on Cliff initially: While you’ll unlock other playable characters, like the orc Unka and the swift Damian, only Cliff can progress the main story. Many puzzles and boss fights require skills exclusive to his skill tree. Since all characters share the same pool of Abyss Artifacts for upgrades, prioritize Cliff’s development. If you regret distributing artifacts to other characters, use Faded Abyss Artifacts to respec skill points.

Abyss Artifacts and their meter: Abyss Artifacts serve as Crimson Desert’s skill currency and can be earned by quests, open-world exploration, or simply defeating enemies. The game includes a meter on the left side of the minimap that fills up as you take down enemies. Once full, it rewards you with an Abyss Artifact. Watch it to gauge progress.

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Combat and Mobility Tips

Practice advanced climbing techniques: Instead of climbing up cliffs manually, use Cliff’s Force Palm ability. Jump and push yourself upward using this skill (mapped to the right thumbstick). By combining this move with double jumps and wall grabs, you can scale vertical surfaces efficiently.

Use trees as slingshots: The Axiom Force ability lets you grab trees and bend them to fling yourself forward. Your launching direction depends on your positioning and the pull angle, so practice to master terrain traversal.

Alternate character fast travel: You can pseudo-fast-travel by strategically parking secondary characters near vendors or other points of interest. Items are shared across their inventory, so you can loot with Cliff, switch to a parked character, sell inventory, and return to Cliff.

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Unlocking the Fast Travel System

Limited fast travel points: Crimson Desert features fast travel, but points are sparse initially. Look for areas marked with "mysterious energy." These often signal teleporters, although not every marker guarantees one. Abyss Cresets—devices holding Abyss Artifacts—double as fast travel stations and provide early game mobility.

Utilize Abyss fast travel points: Unlocking abyssal travel locations in the game’s early hours provides faster access to different parts of Pywell. From these elevated points, you can dive down to your desired areas, skipping a significant amount of exploration time.

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Earning and Saving Resources

Early gold loot: At the bank in Hernand, you can score about 75 silver in the earliest stages of the game. Once you acquire a key, unlock a specific bank room, close the door, and loot in privacy. This starting cash will help you purchase gear upgrades.

Beware of automatic key usage: Plain keys in Crimson Desert open multiple doors, but they are used automatically. Be cautious about wasting a key on minor access points. You can bypass locked areas with alternate routes, like climbing through windows or scaling walls.

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Tips for Stealing and Reputation Management

Obtain a mask to steal: Stealing is locked by default until you acquire a bandit’s mask. A group of early-game enemies drops one. Equip it to unlock stealing mechanics. However, stealing has consequences. If caught, you’ll face bounties or reputation penalties with local factions.

Pay off bounties strategically: Churches in towns like Hernand allow you to pay off bounties preemptively, avoiding jail time. Steal wisely—decreasing faction reputation limits your access to high-quality gear.

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Vendors and Shopping

Window shop at vendors: Vendors occasionally display better gear on their tables that doesn’t appear in their in-game inventory menu. Focus on items scattered around their stalls when browsing to ensure you don’t miss stronger options.

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Expert Exploration Tips

Ring bells to clear fog of war: Large sections of Pywell are covered by a fog of war on your map. Ringing bells, found in towns like Hernand, clears foggy areas without revealing specific points of interest.

Check behind waterfalls: A classic RPG trope, waterfalls in Crimson Desert often hide secrets behind them. Be thorough in your exploration, as these spots can yield valuable rewards.

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Practical Takeaways

Crimson Desert’s opening hours demand a balance of exploration, strategic upgrades, and inventory awareness. Whether you’re looting the bank in Hernand, dedicating Abyss Artifacts to Cliff, or learning how to traverse cliffs effectively, these tips help establish a strong foundation. Players should avoid rushing into using every available system—focusing early efforts on Cliff, inventory management, and money-making opportunities will pay off as the game progresses.

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FAQs

1. Can I unlock storage in Crimson Desert?
Not at launch. Developers intend to add long-term storage at grey main camps in future updates.

2. How do I learn new skills in Crimson Desert?
Interact with the "observe" action during exploration or unlock skills in the menu using Abyss Artifacts.

3. Are there multiple playable characters?
Yes, you can play as Unka and Damian, but focus on developing Cliff first for story progression.

4. How do I manage stealing consequences in the game?
Steal only when unobserved, use a bandit mask, and pay bounties at churches if caught.

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